Celebrate Aidilfitri in new normal way, advises Health DG

The Health Ministry advised the public to celebrate Aidilfitri in a new normal way by complying with the stipulated standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this year's Aidilfitri will be different from the celebration in previous years, but it did not mean that it could not be celebrated with the same spirit and enthusiasm.

He said the month-long fasting during the outbreak of COVID-19 had taught the true meaning of patience and sacrifice.

"Ramadan is observed in a new normal to curb the spread of COVID-19 infection and now, we urge the public to celebrate Aidilfitri in a new normal by complying with the SOPs," he told a daily media conference on COVID-19 here today.

Dr Noor Hisham also advised the public to be mindful when preparing food for the Raya celebration to prevent food poisoning.

"To ensure safety of food served, attention should be given to the process in the food preparation, that it is properly cooked and is safe," he added.

He said that during the Aidilfitri celebration last year, the ministry received 53 episodes of food poisoning, involving 1,995 cases.

He advised the people to eat healthy and have a balanced diet at all times, if possible eating home-cooked food, eat fruits and vegetables and to drink at least eight glasses of plain water everyday.

-- BERNAMA